Global Biosecurity

The NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence, Integrated Systems for Epidemic Response (ISER)

conducts applied systems research, enhance collaboration and build capacity in health systems research for epidemic control. We bring together experts in field epidemiology and epidemic response, military experts, international law and risk science experts, and government and non-government agencies involved in epidemic response.

Global security plus (GSP)

Quantum advances in science have outpaced our governance frameworks in areas such as cybersecurity and biosecurity, with revolutionary new tools and technologies equally able to benefit or harm humanity. Against a backdrop of global political instability and conflict, this accelerates the risk of war, terrorism, cyberattacks, bioterrorism, chemical, radiological and nuclear threats. In addition, disasters and forced displacement of people pose additional challenges which require an understanding of emergency response and disaster recovery.

UNSW Vaccine and Infection Research Lab (UNSW _ VIRL)

is the centre of excellence of academic research in immunisation, based at the School of Public Health and Community Medicine (SPHCM), UNSW. Members of VIRL are recognised international leaders in immunisation and vaccinology research. VIRL largest area of strength is adult immunisation, with a focus on high risk and vulnerable populations. VIRL research expertise spans clinical trials, epidemiology, mathematical modelling, health economics, big data, data linkage, social and behavioural research as well as policy and evaluation. Members of VIRL conduct research, advocacy and teaching in immunisation and vaccine-preventable diseases and provide expert consultation in this area.

Biosecurity program

As our understanding of biology and disease has increased, so has our ability to manipulate both, leading to serious concerns about protecting and maintaining public health. High risk biological agent events, epidemics and bioterrorism are issues we are increasingly facing in the 21st century.

Global Biosecurity Journal

The journal Global Biosecurity is a quarterly peer-reviewed, open access electronic journal for cross-disciplinary research in all aspects of human or animal epidemics, pandemics, biosecurity and bioterrorism including prevention, governance, detection, mitigation and response. We publish work on risk analysis, outbreak investigation, epidemiology, modelling, bioinformatics, phylogenetics, surveillance, intelligence, strategic foresight, forecasting, ‘One Health’, policy, governance, law, law enforcement, defense, ethics and first responder preparedness.

Raina MacIntyre Research Lab

Professor Raina MacIntyre is NHMRC Principal Research Fellow, Professor of Global Biosecurity and PLuS Alliance Fellow. She heads the Biosecurity Program at the Kirby Institute, which conducts research in epidemiology, vaccinology, bioterrorism prevention, mathematical modelling, public health and clinical trials in infectious diseases. Her work falls under 4 areas:

1. Personal protective equipment

2. Vaccinology

3. Epidemic response and emerging infectious diseases

4. Biosecurity